As this issue of WE Vancouver started going to press, it had just been announced by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne at the Council of the Federation conference in Charlottetown that an agreement was imminent that would finally allow the shipment of BC wine to Ontario. When Bill C-311 made it legal to ship and transport wine inter-provincially in 2012, a couple provinces (BC, Manitoba) broke down the walls and lifted the velvet rope to allow both the importation and exportation of wine.
While other provinces and territories have remained in flux as to their policies, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario monopoly doubled-down on their opposition to Canadian wine being shipped into Ontario so they could continue their stranglehold on the market. The only exception in their re-stated policy was wine coming in via “in person transport” now being permitted. Basically, if you wanted to ship a case of BC wine to Ontario friends and family, you’d have to be a mule of sorts.
Finally, it looks as if Ontarians will be able to enjoy some of our local gems as the trade regulations become a lot more reciprocal.
So, once the barrier is lifted, what to send to friends and family? Here are my recommendations for a mixed case; 12 bottles that will give our Eastern brethren a good synopsis of what we’re doing here in BC.
Blue Mountain Gold Label N/V Brut | $23.90 | BlueMountainWinery.com
Arguably the standard for BC bubble, done in the traditional method, just as in Champagne.
Thornhaven 2013 Gewurztraminer | $17.90 | Thornhaven.com
One of our favourite local aromatics with textbook lychee, rose petal, and bright acidity.
Tantalus 2013 Riesling | $22.90 | Tantalus.ca
Tantalus’s riesling gets more international acclaim each year for its lip-smacking citrus, pristine and cheery nature.
Kettle Valley Winery 2012 Pinot Gris | $24 | KettleValleyWinery.com
For over 20 years a local darling, with a little skin contact for extra weight and character. Peaches galore!
Painted Rock 2013 Estate Chardonnay | $29.90 | PaintedRock.ca
John Skinner’s Skaha Bench chardonnay has tropical fruit, French oak and fresh acidity, all in the right places.
Lock & Worth 2013 Cabernet Franc Rosé | $20 | LockAndWorth.com
Matt Sherlock makes his pink wine bone-dry, fresh with strawberry, currant, and kaffir lime.
Stoneboat Vineyards 2012 Pinot Noir | $25 | StoneboatVineyards.com
The calcium carbonate in Stoneboat’s soils is just what pinot noir needs to shine. A killer value, too!
Averill Creek 2010 Pinot Noir | $26 | AverillCreek.ca
Your Ontario pals might not even know we make wine on the Island, but Averill Creek’s pinots are among BC’s best.
Orofino 2011 Scout Vineyard Syrah | $29 OrofinoVineyards.com
John and Virginia’s Similkameen Valley winery knocks it out of the park each year; good and dusty dark fruit.
Moon Curser 2011 Border Vines | $25 | MoonCurser.com
This take on a classic Bordeaux red blend comes from Canada’s only desert, and is a steal at 25 bucks!
Road 13 Vineyards 2012 Syrah Malbec | $32 | Road13Vineyards.com
This critically-acclaimed, modern favourite shows we can do ripe and plush purple fruit, and have it maintain a fine balance.
Elephant Island 2013 Apricot Dessert Wine | $18.99 | ElephantIslandWine.com
Because others may sneer about fruit wine, but those in the know, know that this Naramata winery’s wines are fresh, expressive and far from candied or too-sweet.
On another note, I indeed have it on good authority that these wines will taste equally delicious right here at home. Feel free to enjoy ‘em yourself!
